English

The study of English is central to the learning and development of all young Australians. It helps create confident communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. It is through the study of English that individuals learn to analyse, understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world around them. The study of English helps young people develop the knowledge and skills needed for education, training and the workplace. It helps them become ethical, thoughtful, informed and active members of society. In this light it is clear that the Australian Curriculum: English plays an important part in developing the understanding, attitudes and capabilities of those who will take responsibility for Australia's future. (The Australian Curriculum, English Rationale).

At Sts Peter and Paul, we believe that English:

• Enables students to acquire a knowledge and appreciation of their world – both physical and social, so that they can communicate ideas, feelings and desires with others, become independent of others’ help (reading instruction), be more imaginative (enter into a magical world) and gain enjoyment and a life-long love of literature.

• As an integrated and pervasive cultural phenomenon, it is the main vehicle of communication in our society. Without English children cannot participate fully in our society;

• Assists children to participate in the aesthetics of language, which forms the core of our cultural heritage;

• Enables children to explore a variety of texts thus catering for different needs and preparing them for a variety of challenges.

We believe that when students engage in the English learning experiences at Sts Peter and Paul Primary School, they will develop the ability to talk, listen, read, view and write with purpose, effect and confidence. They will develop knowledge of the ways in which language varies according to context (eg. purpose, audience, channel of communication and content). Students will develop a sound grasp of the language structures and grammar of Standard Australian English.

At Sts Peter and Paul, we emphasise critical literacy. This involves students in questioning, challenging and evaluating the texts that they listen to, read and review. Critical literacy enables students to perceive how texts position readers to take a particular view of people and events.

The approach taken at Sts Peter and Paul is based on the NSW K-6 Syllabus and First Steps and uses the three main interrelated uses of language:

to interact with others;

to create and interpret texts

to develop understandings about the world and ourselves.

This approach places emphasis on both spoken and written language and provides a comprehensive description of how language works. This is a usefulapproach for the classroom because it allows for the diversity of language backgrounds, which is prevalent in our school

During 2008 the new template for our English Scope and Sequence was formed to incorporate the ACT Curriculum “Every Chance to Learn” Essential Learning Achievements (ELA 9, 10, and begin work on ELA 8 and 11):

The marker of progress

English NSW K-6 outcomes

Essential content

Indicators

Sequence of indicators taught

The scope and sequences for Reading (ELA 9) and Writing (ELA 10) were divided into the following bands of development:

K - 2 Early childhood

3 - 5 Later Childhood

6 – 8 Early Adolescence

The approach at Sts Peter and Paul is to continue to teach within a stage approach: